Behold the Seal of Boston Plaque. Have you ever wondered about the story it silently tells? This isn’t just a marker; it’s a portal into Boston’s evolving identity.
The Seal of Boston Plaque embodies centuries of history. Seals were once vital for authenticating documents. Before mass literacy, a seal was akin to a signature. Governments used them to give legal authority to official papers.
Let’s step back to 1629. King Charles I granted the Massachusetts Bay Colony a charter. This charter authorized the creation of a colony seal. The first seal featured a Native American. He wore a leafy skirt that seems a bit drafty for Massachusetts. The figure paid homage to the Massachusett tribe. The colony derived its name from them. “Massachusetts” means “at or about the Great Hill.” The seal included a word bubble saying “Come over and help us.” These words suggested native acceptance of the colonists’ mission.
By 1692, things changed. The colony started using the English royal coat of arms. It showed a lion and a unicorn. Fast forward to 1775. Hostilities were brewing. The King’s seal was out. Paul Revere stepped in. He engraved a new seal. It depicted a colonist. He held a sword and the Magna Carta. The Latin motto “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” encircled him. This translates to “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”
After the Revolution, Revere engraved another seal. This time, he brought back the Native American image. However, subsequent engravers took liberties. Many variations appeared. Finally, in 1885, the Legislature defined the seal more strictly. Edmund Garrett’s design became official in 1898. It’s the seal we see today.
The shield’s shape, a “plantagenet,” comes from the Algonquin nation. The Native American’s downward-pointing arrow signifies peace. The star in the upper left corner represents Massachusetts. It was one of the original 13 colonies. The arm raised with the sword embodies the Latin motto.
Today, you’ll spot the Seal of Boston Plaque on state police cars. It’s also on official documents and the state flag. Its commercial use is prohibited. Think of the Seal of Boston Plaque as a time capsule. It reflects Boston’s journey. It shows its evolution from a colony to a commonwealth. The plaque is more than metal and inscription. It’s a symbol of Boston’s enduring spirit.